GWS Giants' Pre-Season Crisis Deepens with Fresh Hamstring Injuries
The Greater Western Sydney Giants' pre-season troubles have intensified dramatically, with two more players succumbing to hamstring injuries during a trial match against Collingwood. Influential forward Brent Daniels and emerging utility Cody Angove were both forced from the field in the second quarter of Friday's encounter, casting a shadow over the club's preparations for the upcoming premiership season.
Injury Blow Compounds Existing Setbacks
This latest setback compounds an already dire situation for the Giants, who have been rocked by a series of pre-season blows. Star midfielder Tom Green is set to miss the entire premiership campaign after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee last week. Additionally, dual All Australian defender Sam Taylor has been referred to a surgeon following scans that revealed a significant hamstring injury sustained during last Saturday's State of Origin clash for Western Australia against Victoria.
Taylor's return timeline remains uncertain, but he will definitely miss the early stages of the season, with potential surgery extending his absence. The injury list doesn't end there: livewire Toby Bedford is also battling a hamstring issue, sidelining him for four to six weeks, while on-baller Finn Callaghan, nursing a hip flexor injury, is in doubt for the season opener against Hawthorn on March 7.
League-Wide Pre-Season Toll
The pre-season has taken a heavy toll across the AFL, with other clubs facing similar challenges. Carlton's Adam Cerra will miss the early stages after damaging a hamstring in match simulation against Brisbane, adding to his history of recurring issues. However, the Blues remain hopeful that vice-captain Jacob Weitering, who sustained a fractured rib, will be fit for their first game against Sydney.
Gold Coast's Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell is another State of Origin casualty, undergoing hand surgery and set to be out until after his club's bye. At St Kilda, concerns are mounting over new recruit Jack Silvagni, who was taken from the field with concussion during a trial clash with the Suns after colliding with a teammate while running back with the flight of the ball.
As the Giants assess the extent of Daniels and Angove's injuries post-match, the club faces an uphill battle to field a competitive side for the premiership season opener, with key players across multiple positions now sidelined.
